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“Perhaps some kind of race,” Lady Annabelle put in. Mischief sparkled in her eyes as she made the suggestion. “A three-legged one. I watched one of those last summer at a country fete, and it was very entertaining.”

“Why not a regular race?” Astrid asked, frowning. “I do not know if I would want to have to rely on someone else. And the gentlemen have an advantage due to their attire.”

“Which is why it would be all the more a challenge.” Though she was entirely serious in expression, Mei got the feeling that Lady Annabelle was enjoying herself immensely. “Especially if the winner of Pall Mall was paired with the last-in-place, the runner-up winner paired with the second-to-last, and so on and so forth.”

“What if someone does not wish to be part of a race?” Mei asked. The buttery croissant was disappearing far too quickly. She wondered if anyone would notice if she took a second one.

“Then they forfeit,” Astrid said immediately. She appeared to be considering the suggestion. “Perhaps we should require that a gentleman and a lady make up the pair for the three-legged race. That way none of the men will have an undue advantage.”

“We are going to be competing against the men as well?” Tiffany appeared startled at the notion.

“Of course.” Astrid’s smile widened, turning predatory. “How else can I best Drake?”

“This is beginning to sound rather complicated,” Tiffany muttered. Some of her enthusiasm seemed to have dampened as she realized Astrid’s ultimate aim was to discomfit her betrothed rather than to enliven the house party. Though, to be fair, it would likely do both.

Mei was uncertain how most of the other young ladies would feel about a footrace, however, especially a three-legged one. It was very unlikely to be an avenue where they could showcase their charm or grace.

Sebastian

The dining room was nearly full when Sebastian entered for breakfast, but it did not matter. His gaze immediately went to Mei. She was seated between Lady Astrid and Mrs. Fenley, which was for the best because he was uncertain he would have had the fortitude to stay away if she’d had an open seat beside her.

Instead, he made his way to the other end of the table, on the opposite side, so he would be able to look at her without being obvious about it. Northumberland glanced up from where he was cutting up his kippers as Sebastian approached and brightened. He had one of the few seats with an open chair beside him, and the Earl of Stanwick was on his other side, quietly focused on his newspaper.

“Good morning, Bolton,” Northumberland said eagerly.

“Good morning,” Sebastian replied, trying to muster at least a touch of enthusiasm in his voice just to be polite. He supposed sitting next to Northumberland and trying to get to know the man a little better was not the worst way to start his morning. Especially since it put Sebastian between Northumberland and the younger Mr. Fenley. Perhaps he could also ask Mr. Fenley a few questions.

He felt almost guilty at how quickly Northumberland brightened when he realized Sebastian was sitting beside him. The man did his best to hide it, but he was clearly thrilled to have one of his fellow dukes make even a small show of acceptance. It made Sebastian uncomfortable, but that was the point of this. Becoming more comfortable. Especially if the man ended up with Lady Isabella as his wife.

Sinclair would want his friends to watch over both his former fiancée and his heir, especially if they ended up married.

“Have you heard the plan for today?” Northumberland asked, shifting slightly to turn more toward Sebastian.

“I believe there was some talk of a competition.” Sebastian had only been paying half-attention during the conversations yesterday.

“Pall Mall and archery,” Mr. Fenley said from his other side, joining in the conversation. He grinned widely, making him look even younger than he was. Sebastian felt secure that Mei was not interested in Mr. Fenley for passion, but he did not know Mr. Fenley’s intentions toward Mei. Not that they would matter, but he still felt… possessive might be the best word. “I am terrible at both, so this should be a good deal of fun.”

Sebastian nearly choked on the bite of toast he’d just taken at Mr. Fenley’s observation.

“You think that being terrible will be fun?” Northumberland repeated slowly in obvious confusion.

“I find others’ reactions to my lack of skill to be highly entertaining,” Mr. Fenley replied with a cheerful wink. “Hopefully, this time I will not put the Pall Mall mallet through a window, though. Property damage tends to take the enjoyment out of the moment.”

Both Northumberland and Sebastian were at a loss for words, and they exchanged a glance. At least speaking with Mr. Fenley was giving them a sense of camaraderie with each other, mostly out of being dumbfounded by his statement.

“Ah.” Northumberland cleared his throat. “Well, let us hope that the day ends without any broken windows. Or anything else.”

It turned out Northumberland had a sense of humor. Sebastian’s lips quirked.

“Agreed. I am sure Gregory would thank us for that,” he said as seriously as he could. He cleared his throat. “I am sure that the day will be enjoyable for all of us.” He looked at Northumberland. “I assume you plan on participating?”

“Of course.” Northumberland nodded, his expression becoming more serious. “Lady Isabella is looking forward to enjoying herself today, and I mean to ensure that she gets her fill of laughter and gaiety.”

The sincerity in his voice made Sebastian’s chest tighten because he felt that Lady Isabella deserved that, too. That he could not help but picture Sinclair at her side as she did so was not the current Northumberland’s fault. She should not be chained down by the past, not when there was a man who clearly cared for her here in the present, who would do his best by her in the future.

“We would all like to see that for her,” he said, clearing his throat around the lump that had suddenly formed there.

He glanced down the table at where Mei was seated, listening to an animated Lady Astrid and Tiffany. Whatever discussion they were having, it appeared very involved. As usual, Mei sat quietly composed, listening, occasionally putting in a comment but mostly allowing the others to speak their fill.